from a compound of ἀπό and λύτρον; (the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation:--deliverance, redemption.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **apolýtrōsis**, represented by `{{G629}}`, means **redemption** or **deliverance**. It is defined as a ransom in full or, figuratively, a riddance. It appears 10 times in 10 unique verses and refers specifically to Christian salvation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G629}}` is centrally linked to the work of Christ. It is through his blood that we have **redemption**, which is described as the **forgiveness** of **sins** (`{{G266}}`, `{{G3900}}`) ([[Ephesians 1:7]], [[Colossians 1:14]]). This act is a result of God's **grace** `{{G5485}}` [[Romans 3:24]]. The concept has both a present and future aspect; believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit for a future "day of **redemption**" [[Ephesians 4:30]] and await the **redemption** of the body [[Romans 8:23]]. In some contexts, it is used more generally as **deliverance** [[Hebrews 11:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the full scope of `{{G629}}`:
* `{{G859}}` **áphesis** (pardon): This word is frequently used alongside **redemption** to clarify its outcome. The **redemption** purchased by Christ's blood results in the **forgiveness** of sins ([[Ephesians 1:7]], [[Colossians 1:14]]).
* `{{G1343}}` **dikaiosýnē** (righteousness): In Christ, believers are given not only **redemption** but also wisdom, **righteousness**, and **sanctification** `{{G38}}`, presenting these as interconnected aspects of salvation [[1 Corinthians 1:30]].
* `{{G5206}}` **huiothesía** (adoption): This concept is tied to the future hope of believers, who wait for their **adoption**, which is defined as the **redemption** of the body [[Romans 8:23]].
* `{{G728}}` **arrhabṓn** (a pledge, i.e. part of the purchase-money or property given in advance as security for the rest): The Holy Spirit is described as the **earnest** of our **inheritance** `{{G2817}}` until the final **redemption** of the purchased **possession** `{{G4047}}` [[Ephesians 1:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G629}}` is demonstrated in its various applications:
* **A Ransom Paid:** The core meaning revolves around a price being paid for freedom. Scripture states this price is the "blood" of Christ, securing **redemption** from **sins** `{{G266}}` and **transgressions** `{{G3847}}` ([[Ephesians 1:7]], [[Hebrews 9:15]]).
* **A Present Possession:** Through Christ, believers currently "have **redemption**" ([[Ephesians 1:7]], [[Colossians 1:14]]). It is a status granted freely by God's **grace** `{{G5485}}` and is a key component of salvation alongside **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` and **sanctification** `{{G38}}` ([[Romans 3:24]], [[1 Corinthians 1:30]]).
* **A Future Hope:** The term also points to a final and complete deliverance. Believers are "sealed unto the day of **redemption**" [[Ephesians 4:30]] and await the **redemption** of the body as the culmination of their **adoption** `{{G5206}}` as sons [[Romans 8:23]]. This future **redemption** is a cause for hope as it "draweth nigh" [[Luke 21:28]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G629}}` signifies a comprehensive deliverance. It describes the past-tense reality of being ransomed from sin through Christ's sacrifice, the present possession of forgiveness, and the future hope of a complete and final liberation from all effects of the fall, culminating in the **redemption** of the body. It is a cornerstone concept for understanding the scope of Christian salvation.
TRV